The Chicago Blackhawks withstood a typical effort by the visiting Nashville Predators Monday at the United Center. The Blackhawks overcame a few bad bounces, a zero for seven evening on the power play, three Nashville leads and an injury to Duncan Keith to record a 5-4 overtime victory.

Patrick Kane had a pair of goals and an assist in the Chicago win, while Viktor Stalberg made his time in the top six count, scoring the game winner for the second straight game. The ‘Hawks move to 7-2-2 this season.

The game got off to a nightmarish start when a funny bounce along the boards caused the puck to elude Corey Crawford in the first minute. Caught behind his net, David Legwand managed to throw a shot to the side of the goal. The shot hit the post and kicked out in front of the net for Patric Hornqvist to backhand for a Halloween treat of a goal.

The Blackhawks were on the power play three times following Nashville’s mark, including a brief 5-on-3 advantage, but didn’t draw even until the final minute of the period. Kane benefitted from Marian Hossa winning a board battle for the puck, taking a pass from Patrick Sharp and beating Pekka Rinne through the five-hole to knot the score at a goal apiece going into the first intermission.Continue reading »